[Reconstruction of the soft palate with a microvascular radial flap].

BACKGROUND

A new technique for reconstruction of the soft palate using a folded microvascularized radial forearm flap is described.

PATIENTS: The method has been used in 16 patients to date.

RESULTS

There was no loss of the transplant. Only three patients had unsatisfactory functional results with respect to speaking and swallowing.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented technique enables a one-step reconstruction of the complete soft palate. The complication rate we experienced was low and the functional results were excellent.